Empowering is a universal need that transcends privilege or status. It is not a concept but a way of life. There are numerous ways by which individuals can empower others, whether through education, guiding someone in the right direction, belief in someone’s potential, providing opportunities or simply offering support and encouragement. By fostering a culture of empowerment, one must sow the seeds for a future where individuals do not just receive support but actively partake in a cycle of giving, ensuring a continuous and sustainable legacy of leadership, kindness and mutual growth.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore said, “The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”
In India, we have inspiring examples of individuals who embody the spirit of empowerment. Arunachalam Muruganantham, the innovator behind low-cost sanitary pads in rural India, inspired the film “Padman”, broke age-old taboos while improving women’s health empowering countless women across India.
Anand Kumar, whose Super 30 programme provides coaching to underprivileged students for highly competitive IIT-JEE entrance exams, was portrayed in the movie “Super 30”.
Rtn Dr Anubhooti Bhatnagar and my friend Vikas Jhunjhunwala run professionally managed schools offering affordable quality education to children from low-income families through their respective NGOs. Their commitment to providing quality educations for merely Rs. 700 (USD 9) per month empower these young students to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves.
Toni Morrison said, “If I am free, I need to free somebody else, if I have power, then my job is to empower somebody else.” These profound words highlight the reciprocal nature of empowerment, where the act of empowering others creates a ripple effect of positivity and growth.
The essence of this reciprocity can be observed in the act of “paying it forward”. This concept epitomizes a chain of unrepaid acts of kindness, where the beneficiaries of a good deed repays it to others instead of the original benefactor. This creates a ripple effect of generosity, fostering a culture where empowerment is not only received but given.
My friend, Rohit Dev, and his wife, Deepika Dev, exemplify true visionaries. At the helm of an immensely successful business, they have embarked on a transformative mission – to help establish one million happy companies. The sheer magnitude of this initiative is awe-inspiring, with a ripple effect that extends beyond mere business success. This ambitious endeavour is not just about business, it’s about uplifting individuals and creating a culture where everyone thrives.
Reflecting on the essence of empowerment and its impact, a question arises: Does empowering others also help us? I once read somewhere, “I helped a man climb a mountain and found that I, too, had reached the top.” This reminded me of what my school teacher and mentor the late Brother Greg Fernandes used to say, “It’s not what you have learned from me; it’s how much I have learnt from you students.” It is in giving that we receive; it is in teaching that we learn. The journey of empowering others is very fascinating journey of self-discovery, mutual growth, and profound fulfilment.
In my upcoming book “Overflow: Live The Life You Want,” I delve into the significance of empowering tomorrow’s leaders. In my own life, when I was in desperate need, there were people who helped me. I recount many such stories in my book.
Empowerment can manifest in the simplest of gestures, such as offering reassurance and support. Telling someone,” Don’t worry, I am here for you,” can be a powerful way to empower them to face challenges and strive for success.
I conclude by quoting Nelson Mandela, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”